New ag setup

[mmaguy41]

I have returned to brewing after a long layoff. All my kit was given to friends or sold etc when I stopped a year or so ago. I'm looking to start fresh with a solid ag set up. Something sturdy that will last, I'm not in a rush to buy and dont mind shopping around and taking the time to put together a good setup. My budget isnt endless but I could spend a decent amount on it possibly in the 500-1000 range. I'm keen to hear from people who have had experience with multiple setups and which they found the most enjoyable to use.

Many thanks

 

[Session]

Hello! Is there anything in particular you would like your set up to do? Do you want to keg? Are you happy bottling? How were you planning to ferment - do you have space for a fridge?
You’ve got a really good budget so there are lots of options, it just depends what you want to get out of your set up.

 

[mmaguy41]

Hello! Is there anything in particular you would like your set up to do? Do you want to keg? Are you happy bottling? How were you planning to ferment - do you have space for a fridge?
You’ve got a really good budget so there are lots of options, it just depends what you want to get out of your set up.

I currently bottle and have some mini kegs, used to have cornys but got rid. I dont have a brew fridge at present but I have an outhouse which could house one fairly easily. I just dont want to buy a set up that ok going to want to replace in a years time if that makes sense.

 

[Druncan]

Still love my first BIAB pot 50l brewbuilder. It's ind compatible with 5 TC connectors. Use with Buffalo CE308 and inkbird up to 2kw. I use a small 12v food grade pump to re-circulate. Also got two of his 72l conicals fitted with Acask cooling jacket and a sub zero shelf chiller. Great kit! Now got a Powell 100l pot to link in all fitted with TC ferrules. Plenty shiny toys to play with

 

[Session]

I would probably work backwards, ignoring the mashing/boiling device and focusing on the bits you’ll need regardless.

If it was me I would get a fridge to ferment in, which can be second hand, and fit it with a heat pad and an inkbird. If you get lucky on eBay you should be able to get all of these for £100 depending on the fridge.

A fermenter is obviously handy, and a brew bucket should do fine, together with a airlock and grommet. I would get one without a spigot as it’s one less thing to get full of gunge. You can either get one from a cafe/caterer for free (although perhaps now is not the best time), or pick one up online for £10-15.

Bottles & mini kegs you already have, so that’s great.

Cleaner & a sanitiser - £25

Autosiphon - £10

So that’s what - £150?

That leaves £350-£850 to spend on a wort-creating device... how many litres are you planning to brew at once?

My preference would be for an all-in-one eBIAB system, and having used both don’t think the Grainfather is worth the premium over the Robobrew in its current iteration.

If you can hold out for the next version of the G30, that might (might) be amazing, but it may be a long time coming and I think something cheaper like the Robobrew is better value.

I have only used a three vessel system a handful of times, so take this with a pinch of salt, but I found them too big, too much of a pain to set up, and that there was too much cleaning at the end!

Hopefully that’s a start at least. I’m sure others will chime in at some point with more thoughts, including those who have had more experience with 3V than me.

 

[Cyberjip]

I love my 3V. Plenty of time for cleaning as you go. Clean out the MT while the boil is happening etc, just have to clean the kettle after I have transferred to the FV.

It does however take up a fair bit of space but I can leave it set up all the time as it's in my brew garage.

One advantage is it can start quite simple then you can ad more over time when you want it/can afford it.

As mentioned already you should defently try to get a brew fridge or other temp controll set up as soon as you can, this will probably make more difference to your finished product than the the rest of your equipment.

 

[mmaguy41]

Thanks for the advice guys I think I will look into getting a fridge for sure as I dont really have inside space to ferment, a friend has upgraded his system and given me his old setup. A 3v system tea urn as hlt, cool box mash tun and 30l stainless steel boiler. I need some new taps etc which I've ordered but will do me nicely and leaves some money to spend on other equipment as well as meat to go on the new pellet smoker!